Saturday, November 13, 2010

Email campaign against Croatian football homophobia

On Monday, 8 November, Vlatko Markovic, president of the Croatian Football Federation stated that: “[w]hile I’m a president of the Croatian Football Federation, there will be no homosexuals playing in the national team…. Luckily, only normal people play football.” Croatian gay and lesbian organizations have already condemned Markovic for these appalling statements, and at Red Card Homophobia we would like to support them by launching an e-mail campaign to the CFF and UEFA (Union of European Football Associations). We have drafted e-mails in both Croatian and English that you can copy and paste and send to both organizations. Don’t forget to add your name as a signature. It only takes two seconds, so we urge you to take the time to help give homophobia the red card.

I am writing to you to express concern about the recent comments made by Vlatko Markovic, President of the Croatia Football Federation against homosexuals. Homophobia in any form is objectionable and directly opposes the RESPECT campaign fostered by UEFA. His statements and discriminatory bans are unacceptable and as a member of Red Card Homophobia, I urge you to ensure all high-quality players can play for Croatia.